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A dish from Helen Corbitt

Poppy Seed Dressing

A sweet-tart dressing of sugar, vinegar, mustard, and poppy seeds, the Zodiac Room's signature.

Serves 8

By Helen Corbitt

Helen Corbitt's poppy seed dressing was served at the Zodiac Room and became so popular that customers asked for the recipe by the jar. It is sweet, sharp, and speckled with poppy seeds, and it belongs on a fruit or spinach salad.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 tbsp onion

Oils & Vinegars

  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup oil

Pantry / Durable

  • 1/2 cup sugar

Spices & Seasoning

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Other

  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds

Method

  1. Whisk the sugar, vinegar, mustard, grated onion, and salt together until the sugar dissolves.

  2. Add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly, until the dressing thickens and emulsifies.

  3. Stir in the poppy seeds and taste for balance.

  4. Refrigerate in a jar and shake before using. It keeps for about a week.

Adapted from Helen Corbitt's Cookbook. View a published recipe at NYT Cooking (opens in a new tab)

Served at

Lunch at the Zodiac Room · Dallas, Texas

More by Helen Corbitt

Frozen Lemon Soufflé

Cheese Wafers